About Us

We are 1024 (Isle of Wight) Squadron, one of over 1000 squadrons that make up the Air Training Corps. Like most ATC Squadrons we 'parade' two evenings every week, excluding bank holidays. Our parade nights are on a Monday and Friday from 19:00 until 21:30 hours. During our parade nights we typically engage in activities ranging from lessons on aerospace subjects, practical sessions creating aircraft models, hosting external speakers from the police to the air ambulance, and drill nights.

Outside of regular parade nights, cadets from 1024 squadron can experience weekend residential camps on the Island's cadet training centre 'Jersey Camp' to learn fieldcraft, camouflage techniques and radio communications. Cadets can also take to the sky in the twin seater Grob G115 'Tutor' aircraft - piloted by an experienced RAF Pilot. To learn about all the things we do visit the What We Do tab.

Come and find us on Marlborough Road, Ryde

As the OC, Flt Lt Gear is overall in charge of the squadron, reporting to 'Wing' headquarters in Hampshire. He oversees all of the day to day operations of the squadron and organises the activities out side of parade nights.

Having served in the Royal Air Force for 35 years as a search and rescue helicopter pilot, he is an expert on RAF life and has used that experience to greatly improve the squadron since he became the commanding officer 2 years ago.

The Staff Team:

With circa 40 cadets, the boss can't run the squadron on his own, he has a dedicated team of staff members as well as Cadet NCOs (Non-Commissioned Officers - meaning a cadet given a rank within the organisation) who help him deliver training and handle the paperwork.

For a rundown of the staff members and cadet NCOs at the squadron, have a look at the 'Meet the Team' page.

If are 20 years old or over and think you would be valuable to the squadron, go to the Contact Us tab and enquire about becoming an adult member of staff. We are always looking for volunteers to help out with our rewarding work.